### Nine Months in London: Lessons Learned
*Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Just a few days back, I celebrated nine months of residing in London. While this length of time may not appear extensive, it has provided me with ample opportunity to acquire several important lessons about this lively metropolis. London showcases not only a variety of accommodation choices but also hosts an array of communities that make it their home. Students, in particular, enjoy a wide selection of housing opportunities to consider. From student accommodations to private rentals, options comprise ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and house shares. For domestic students, arranging an apartment viewing is fairly easy, while international students can turn to platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to view housing options online, assess facilities, and gauge closeness to public transportation.
### Finding a Place to Call Home
In my pursuit of housing, I aimed to secure a room in Central London. Living centrally meant proximity to major landmarks, social hotspots, and, above all, the campus of Imperial College. London is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. The city boasts an exceptional public transport network—including the Underground (tube), buses, and trains—facilitating travel between the zones. However, journeying between zones can incur significant costs, with daily fares reaching as high as £5.25. To economize, I frequently chose to walk shorter distances rather than rely on public transport. For longer distances, using an Oyster card substantially cuts travel expenses for students.
The transport system in London goes beyond the Underground, with the Overground and National Rail services linking areas further afield from the central zones. Fares for these services differ based on distance and the pricing model of the train operator.
While living in Central London can be quite expensive, I was lucky to share a room with a friend, which allowed us to significantly reduce our rent costs. I decided on intercollegiate student housing, as I aimed to connect with peers from a variety of backgrounds and similar age ranges—a blending that may be trickier to find in private accommodations.
### Proximity to Essentials
For me, the convenience of living near grocery stores was essential. Well-known supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are readily accessible, while economical choices include Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being close to necessary shops and pharmacies saves a significant amount of time, especially during hectic times like exam periods.
### Choosing the Right Neighbourhood
Picking a neighborhood in London can be difficult, as the city’s diverse ethnic communities play a vital role in shaping its cultural tapestry. Many international students tend to gravitate towards areas that mirror the familiarity of their home nations.
– **Southall** in West London is renowned for its substantial South Asian community, featuring Indian dining spots, grocery shops, and traditional clothing outlets.
– **Brixton**, located in South London, is praised for its Afro-Caribbean atmosphere and vibrant music scene.
– **Chinatown**, situated in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling center filled with Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural activities.
These neighborhoods are just a few illustrations of the vibrant cultural enclaves London has available.
### Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the ideal place to reside in London reflects your personal preferences and requirements. Whether you’re in search of a new home or simply discovering the city, embrace the variety and richness of London’s housing options, immerse yourself in its cultural communities, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.
*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
*Categorised under [Uncategorized](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/category/uncategorized/)*
*Tagged [accommodation](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/accommodation/), [housing](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/housing/), [London Life](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/london-life/), [master’s](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/masters/)*